US support reinforces the Shah before the uprising

His interpretation of Shi‘ism as a struggle against oppression connected educated youth with anti-imperialist and social-justice politics.

Khomeini’s eldest son and close assistant died suddenly. Supporters widely suspected foul play, while the precise cause remained contested.

Mourning ceremonies across Iran allowed clerics, bazaaris, nationalists and religious activists to speak Khomeini’s name publicly and rebuild networks.

The memorial cycle helped transform scattered discontent into a movement that could use religious gatherings to evade state restrictions.

During a Tehran visit, Jimmy Carter celebrated the Shah’s leadership. Revolutionary supporters later cited the speech as evidence that Washington ignored repression to preserve an allied monarchy.

The newspaper Ettela'at printed an article portraying Ayatollah Khomeini as a foreign-backed reactionary. Revolution supporters saw it as a state-directed insult intended to discredit religious...

Seminary networks in Qom treated the article as an attack on both Khomeini and the independence of the religious establishment.

The article spread rapidly among students and clerics, helping turn outrage into organized protest.

Instead of isolating Khomeini, the publication renewed public attention to his opposition to monarchy and foreign domination.

Thousands protested the Ettela'at article and defended Khomeini, transforming a press controversy into open opposition to the monarchy.